FN + numberpad not working, or am I an idiot?

[fex]

I certainly do feel like an idiot.

Here's the thing: when I hold the FN key down and type on the in-board numberpad...

789
UIO
JKL
M<>

Nothing happens. No numbers, no characters... nothing.

Now, I can use FN+DELETE to turn on Num Lock, then I can use that in-board numberpad correctly, but that's a bit tedious (sorta like using Caps Lock instead of the Shift key, aye?).

My previous computers have all had FN+numberpads, and I used them all with no problems, so I hope it's not a PEBKAC, but maybe Alienware does things differently...

So what's the verdict? Am I missing something really obvious? Does the FN+Numberpad work for anyone else? Am I just an idiot?

Thanks for the help. ;D

[Absinthe42]

DUde, seriously, If I am correct, you use the fn key to activate quick contorls, such as volume, screen brightness, scr lk, pause, break, etc. Because on a 15.4 in laptop there are a lack of keys to accomidate these.
On my current Vaio, f2-f3 control the volume, screen brightness, and lcd to tv.
You can hold it on f12 for hddsleep, num lock for scr lk, insert for pause, and delete for break.
Hope this helps

[GRB]

No, it doesn't work for me either. However, I would suggest you try going into the BIOS as it may allow you to change the nature of the numpad. On my old Inspiron 8200 you could go into the BIOS and set an option to let FN+numpad work (default setting) or make it necessary for numlock to be on -- it is possible the m15x also has those same options in the BIOS.

[Loggie]

What is your laptop? Are you referring to the letter keys that also function as number pad keys when the Fn key is used? I didn't know that AW notebooks used this kind of keyboard-maybe the 15" models do. My m9750 has a separate number keypad so I simply press Num Lock-don't use the Fn key at all.
I'll tried this on my old Sony laptop. Here is what the Fn key does:
Holding down the Fn key and pressing the i and J (1 and 5) keys does nothing.

Fn + /(+) = +
Fn + J(-) = -
Fn + P(*) = *
Fn + 0(/) = /
Fn + 8 (8) key = up-arrow
Fn + K(2) = down-arrow
Fn + u(4) = left-arrow
Fn + o(6) = right-arrow
Fn + 9(9) = page up
Fn + L(3) = page down
Fn + [(Enter) = Enter

Hope this clarifies what the Fn key does.

[Crimsonman]

Umm... number lock is what allows the numbers to be pressed not FN, thats for other things like volume...

[GRB]

Umm... number lock is what allows the numbers to be pressed not FN, thats for other things like volume...

You'd think, but as I said, some laptops do allow you to use the numpad to type numbers with FN (like my old Inspiron 8200).

[Loggie]

Left two out:
Fn + 7 = Home
Fn + .(.) = Delete

[fex]

Yes, GRB understands what I'm getting at.

Some laptops, like the two that I'ved owned before this (Alienware m15x), allow me to use keys on the keyboard as a makeshift numberpad by holding down the FN key.

For instance, if I hold down FN and press 7, U, J, 8, I, K, 9, O, L, I would expect to type "741852963". Instead, I get the arrow key and page up/down movements that Loggie was describing.

Anyway, GRB, I'll look into the BIOS option and see what I can find.

[jackabite]

I think you need to make sure Num Lock is applied and then try the FN + Key.

EDIT: You can probably default the num lock state to on in the BIOS, mine is on by default so FN + Key works as you describe without additional Num Lock press.

[fex]

Hmmmm, when NUM Lock is on, the laptop behaves closer to how I want it to, but backwards: when holding FN, I get normal keys, and when not holding FN, I get numbers.

Anyway, you'll have to forgive me- I'm usually pretty tech-savvy but this is my first time attempting to screw around in the BIOS.

Following some instructions I found via the interweb, I rebooted my computer, and during the startup phase, I entered Setup by hitting F2. I was escorted to a blue and grey screen with the following tabs:

INFORMATION
No pertinent editable information

MAIN
Displayed date and time, allowed me to edit "Quiet Boot" and "Network Boot" options.

ADVANCED
Allowed me to edit "Legacy USB Support" and "DFOROM (Robson) Support".

SECURITY
No pertinent editable information

BOOT ORDER
No pertinent editable information

None of those options really seemed to indicate anything I could change related to keyboard functionality, so I'm assuming that I'm in the wrong place altogether, or that there isn't a solution available in the BIOS.

I hate to be a pain, but could someone who's done this once or twice lend a hand? I'm sort of clueless here. :P

I appreciate the help very much!